Chemnitz’s Homily Outline and Summary for the Purification of Mary, or Candlemas

The following is a translation of Martin Chemnitz’s homily outline found in his postil for the Purification of Mary, or Candlemas (Postilla, Volume III, pg. 38). While Lutheran Service Book only calls for Luke 2:22–32 and leaves verses 33–40 as optional, Chemnitz includes the entire reading. In addition, I have included other Scripture citations in brackets for ease of use.

“In this homily we will take the three accounts of today’s feast day, which have now been reported and belong to this feast, one after the other, and briefly handle each one as much as serves for instruction (Lehr), admonition/remembrance (Erinnerung), and comfort (Trost):

1. And thus, first, we will hear what had been ordered in the Old Testament with regard to postpartum Jewish women (Kindbetterin oder Sechswöcherin der Jüdischen Weiber) [see Leviticus 12:1–8] and why God had made the same order at that time, but how far it concerns us now and how we ought to use it at the present time.
2. Second, we will hear of the Law of the firstborn [See Exodus 13:1, 11–16], where this had come from, and why our Lord God has reserved and dedicated the firstborn of men and cattle to Himself, what this signifies, or would we ought to remember or learn from it, and how we can make use of it for our comfort.
3. Third, we will hear the beautiful glorious account of old Simeon which is told in the Gospel, how it was so mightily done, not indeed for the world, but for God, when the old respectable Simeon, who was a learned and holy man, and was a prophet, comes in and takes the little child Jesus into his arms from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and makes such a glorious confession of His person and office; and that he is an example that ought to gladden the heart of a pious Christian and be a guide to everyone as to how he ought to lead his life in this world, that, when his last hour has come, he may then depart with a cheerful heart and conscience and go to Christ.”

Likewise, here is Chemnitz’s concluding summary (Postilla, Volume III, pg. 50):

1. “First, what had been ordered with regard to postpartum women, to what end God had founded and commanded this order, and how all Christian God-fearing honorable mothers ought to today ought to make use of them in a right and Christian manner.
2. Second, where the Law of the Firstborn came from, what it signifies that God reserves and dedicates the firstborn of cattle and men, what can be marked as a glorious reminder/admonition (Erinnerungen) and teaching, and how we can make use of this in all matters (Anliegen).
3. Third, the spiritual history of old Simeon, and how this story was so excellent before God’s eyes, that Simeon so clearly and lovingly testifies of this little child, and comforts himself so highly in his heart, and thereby rejoices that this greeting (Salutare) mightily redeems him and bring him out from all the bitterness and danger of death and hell, and can and will move and transport him into the unending joy of heaven.

Afterwards, how we ought to follow such an example of this blessed Christian man, and also trust and build on this one Savior and Redeemer, who has taken away the power of death and brought life, immortality and light, with a joyful undaunted heart in life and death and in true saving faith and confidence in finally departing and falling asleep in blessedness, and in His light beholding the eternal light. To this end, the highly praised Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one true God in eternity, help us all. Amen.”